Launched in 1993 and spanning four generations since, the Kia Sportage has achieved this milestone on the year of its 25th anniversary.

The latest model, launched in 2016, is more popular than ever, with average global sales of 38,000 units per month in 2017.

Executive vice president of Global Operations division, Ho Sung Song said since 1993, the Sportage has become a benchmark car in the compact SUV segment, and its success has also led to the creation of a diverse and comprehensive range of SUVs and crossovers from Kia.

In 2016 and last year, the Sportage surpassed the b-segment Rio as the brand’s global best-selling model. Strong sales of the Sportage in January and February 2018 – 36,632 and 32,930 units – contributed to the model’s production landmark.

The Sportage made its first appearance at the 1991 Tokyo motor show, introducing the concept of the ‘urban SUV’ to consumers for the first time

This first generation Sportage was an instant hit, recording total lifetime sales of over 500,000 units.